ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ CALLS FOR PRAYER FOR ALL AFFECTED AND THOSE RESPONDING TO DEVASTATING SOCAL FIRES
January 8, 2025  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

As the ongoing fires in the Los Angeles area have impacted many throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Archbishop José H. Gomez has shared the following message with the local community of faith.

“Please keep praying for all those suffering in the wildfires sweeping through Southern California. My heart goes out to our neighbors who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Let’s pray for them and let’s pray for our firefighters and first responders. May God keep all of our brothers and sisters safe and bring end to these fires!”

Archbishop Gomez will preside at two special Masses for the victims of the fires and first responders tomorrow, January 9. The first Mass will be at St. Monica Church in Santa Monica (725 California Ave.) at 12:10 p.m. in English, and the second bilingual Mass will be at Mission San Gabriel in the Chapel of the Annunciation at 6 p.m. (425 S. Junipero Serra Dr.). Both Masses will be livestreamed on the @LACatholics social channels and at https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/.

The Archdiocese is currently in the process of assessing the damage and impact of the fires on Catholic parishes and schools and will be sharing updates on https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/ and @lacatholics social channels. Angelus News, the multimedia news magazine for the Archdiocese, is also providing updates and coverage online and on its social channels @Angelusnews.

A special dedicated fund to be used directly to support parishes and schools impacted by the fires is being created by the Archdiocese and will be available for all who wish to donate at https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/.

Due to evacuations and other factors affecting those in the fire areas, some Catholic school locations have closed. Angelus News will be providing latest news on school closures.

Our Catholic community of faith is united in prayer for all who have been impacted by the fires and for the firefighters, police and all first responders and volunteers who are on the front lines and providing help, resources and shelter.

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